High-Velocity Windstorm and Thunderstorms Wreak Havoc in Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu, April 16, 2025 – A powerful windstorm accompanied by heavy rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms battered the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir yesterday, April 15, 2025, causing widespread disruption and damage. Winds reaching speeds of 90 to 114 km/h threw life out of gear, leaving a trail of destruction across all the districts of the region.
The storm, which struck in the evening, uprooted trees, disrupted electricity, and damaged infrastructure. A portion of the boundary wall of the Civil Secretariat in Jammu collapsed, crushing vehicles under debris, while barbed wire fencing also gave way under the fierce winds. Local news reported that the storm caused significant damage to property and infrastructure, with local authorities deploying JCB machines to clear the debris.
Reports from Udhampur says that several trees were uprooted, severely impacting traffic and electricity supply. “After 4-5 years, such strong winds have affected the area,” a local said, highlighting the rarity and intensity of the storm. Social media posts on X echoed the chaos, with users reporting that the entire Jammu division came to a standstill, and power outages persisted for hours in many areas.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed the extreme weather to a steep pressure gradient, which triggered the high-velocity winds. Local authorities, including the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), have urged residents to remain cautious and report any hazards, such as fallen trees, as cleanup efforts continue. Teams are working tirelessly to restore normalcy, but the scale of the damage has posed significant challenges.
In Srinagar a shikara capsized in Dal Lake after it was caught in a sudden windstorm. Locals acted swiftly after hearing distress calls and rescued 4 tourists who were thrown into the water.
Jammu Power DISCOM on social media posts, “Due to heavy windstorm, 220KV Gladni-Salal Ckt-I&II & 220KV Gladni-Chowadhi-Jatwal TLs are OFF from Salal P/House & Jatwal Grids. All outgoing 132KV & 33KV lines are OFF. Restoration taken up on War footing.
The storm follows a period of fluctuating weather in the region, with the IMD noting significant temperature variations in recent weeks.
Residents are advised to stay alert as cleanup and restoration efforts continue, with authorities warning of potential hazards from damaged infrastructure. For further updates, follow local news outlets and official advisories.
